Welding apparatus



Dec. 7, 1948. scum 2,455,526

WELDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 10, 1945 SEQUENCE 76 CQNTROL 4 Sheets-Sheet l n um F r 'P 'I '1 No FLASHING wuuma UP5ETTIN6 CONTACT flEr EEN J7 Z767& 07": WORK PIECES Dec. 7, 1948. D. SCIAKY 2,455,526

WELDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 10, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 7, 1948. D. SCIAKY WELDING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 10, 1945 Dec. 7 194 8.-

' D. SCIAKY WELDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. l0, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 was,

Patented Dec. 7, 1.948

WELDING APPARATUS David Sciaky, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Welding Research, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application September 10, 1945, Serial No. 615,269

7 Claims. 1

This'invention relates to the operation of a flash weldin machine," and has reference particularly to a means of controlling the movement of the platen or platens holding the workpieces being welded.

It is understood that the general practice of butt welding or flash Welding is a'commonly known, well established method of joining two pieces of metal. Numerous means for controlling the motion of the workpieces during the flashing and upsetting operations have been devised and are in common use. A great many of the processes automatically controlled however, while functioning quite satisfactorily, have proven to be expensive and in many cases extremely complex.

In general, existing flash welding machines have been controlled by one of three methods: manually operated, motor cam operated, and hydraulically operated. Operation by compressed air has been largely unsatisfactory because of the difficulty in obtaining a smooth operation. Because of the large heavy metal parts necessary to be moved during the welding operation, inertia and friction forces are of an appreciable magnitude. Also at the end of the flashing operation, it is necessary that the speed of travel of the workpieces toward each other be increased rapidly to effect the joining and upsetting operations. This imposes a large inertia reaction in addition to a huge reaction caused by the resistance to flow of the nearly solidified welded portion of the workpieces. In former systems using air as an operating medium, the motion was jerky and extreme difiiculty in obtaining adequate and rapid enough upset was experienced. This was primarily because of a hunting action caused by overcoming friction with a compressible fluid and the inability to supply air at a rapid enough rate to the large cylinders required.

The present invention relates to a device or means of obtaining precise and flexible control over the motion of the workpieces being flash welded by a new and novel means which employs compressed air as the operating medium.

The above mentioned undesirable aspects of compressed air operated flash welders have been overcome basically by making reactions due to inertia and friction small as compared to reactions caused by compressed air. As the return of the movable platen orplatens is controlled by compressed air permanently applied to an actuating piston, forward movement is constantly opposed by this force which is much higher than friction forces. Forward motion of the platens is controlled, not in the usual manner of supplying air at a controlled rate to the top of a piston, but

by releasing air at a controlled rate from the bottom of a piston, full air pressure being impressed on the top. This again greatly reduces the effect of friction forces and provides an easily controlled means of regulating the rate of travel by exhausting the air through needle valves or other means. In addition, it makes possible the almost instantaneous application of the maximum operating force by exhausting the air from the bottom of the actuating piston through a large sized port at any given point in the welding cycle.

A variation of the invention consists in introducing to one side of the cylinder a liquid instead of compressed air. The liquid is expelled by the air pressure applied to the opposite side of the piston and the rate of expulsion, which is adjusted by a needle valve or other throttlin means, provides for an adequate control of the rate of travel of the platen.

An object of the invention resides in the provision of improved apparatus .for flash welding which will have constant and uniform control of the workpieces from the start of the flashing operation to the completion of the upsetting operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for butt welding which will move the workpieces together at a controlled rate to obtain the desired period of flashing in advance of welding and which will additionally control the welding time and the upsetting length.

Another object of the invention is to provide. improved butt welding apparatus having cam means for moving the workpieces at a controlled rate into contact with each other, which may be adjusted to obtain proper travel for various thicknesses and sections of material, or which may be replaced with cam means having a different taper to vary the rate of travel to best suit materials having widely different characteristics.

Another object is to provide flash welding apparatus employing cam means for imparting smooth and progressive travel of the workpieces toward each other for flash welding the. workpieces and which will also employ counteracting pressure means in combination with said cam means |for eiiecting a rapid upsetting action on the Welded workpieces.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation as will .be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specification, drawings and claims appended hereto.

The drawings which diagrammatically show the working mechanisms of a typical flash welder 3 illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts.

Figure l is a diagrammatic view, parts being shown in section, of flash welding apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view, parts being shown in section, of a modified flash welding apparatus embodying the improvements of the inventlon;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view, parts being shown in section of flash welding apparatus illustrating a further modification coming within the invention;

Figure 4 is an oscillograph illustrating the flow of welding current through the workpieces for various steps in the complete welding operation; and Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view, parts bein shown in section, of flash welding apparatus illustrating a further modification coming within the invention.

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the workpieces to be welded are identified by numerals I l and I2. Workpiece ll is suitably secured by means of the screw 13 to the holder 14 which is supported by the frame of the machine so as to be immovable as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5. Workpi'ece l2 is securely joined by means of the screw l5 to the slide l6, suitably mounted for reciprocating movement. The movable slide I6 is provided with support H, which journals the roller [8. A similar roller 20 n'alled by support 2|, provided by the frame 22 of the machine, and which is accordingly immovable, having a fixed relation with movable slide l6. Slide it is urged in a direction toward the fixed member 22 of the frame by means of the pres sure cylinder 23, said cylinder having the piston 24 connected by rod 25 with movable slide I6. The cylinder 23 is supplied with air pressure by means of the supply pipe 26, the same supplying said air to the left of the piston. Since the cylinder to the right of the piston is open to the atmosphere by the vent 21, the piston is accordingly urged in a direction to the right to cause the slide [6 to move toward member 22.

The holder l4 and the slide l6, having the workpieces I! and i2 secured thereto, are electrically connected to the secondary circuit 28 of the welding transformer indicated by numeral 36. Said transformer has a primary circuit 3| suitably connected to an alternating current source by means of the leads L1 and L2. A ta-p switch 32 is provided in lead L1 and by adjustment of said tap switch to electrically connect with one of the taps 33 the turn ratio of the primary circuit can be varied. The contactor 34 is also located in lead L1, said contactor having an open position to maintain the circuit to the primary open when the solenoid 35 is tie-energized. Said solenoid is suitably supplied with an energizing current by means of the leads 36.

The structure above described has been shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5. The only exception concerns holder M which in Figure 3 comprises a movable slide mounted for reciprocating movement on the frame of the machine in a manner identical with the mounting of its companion slide i6. The circuit to the primary 3! in all three modifications is closed by the contactor 34 upon energization of the solenoid 35. The leads 36 of the solenoid have electrica1 connection with a timer 38 which controls the electrical circuits to is jourall the various solenoids comprising elements of the apparatus. As regards solenoid 35, the timer functions to energize and deenergize the same at predetermined points in the operation of the apparatus so that electrical energy is supplied to the secondary circuit 28 to cause a welding current to flow through the workpieces for welding the same.

Referring more particularly to Figure 1, a tapered cam 46 is interposed between rollers I8 and 20. The surface of cam 40 in contact with roller 26 is straight throughout its extent, being parallel with the direction of movement of the cam. The surface 4! has a special taper which is selected for the particular workpieces to be welded. At the upper end of the taper 4| a cam portion 42 is provided. The location of this cam portion and its magnitude has likewise been selected with knowledge of the workpieces to be welded, the particular materials comprising the workpieces, their characteristics and the like. The cam 40 is suitably secured to piston rod 43, fixed to piston 44, mounted for reciprocating movement in a pressure cylinder 45. Cylinder 45 is suitably supported in proper position by the frame of the apparatus and it will be observed that reciprocation of piston 44 will impart similar movement to cam 49. In this modification piston rod 43 is provided with an air passage 46 having one or more vent passages 41.

The respective ends of cylinder 45 have connection with supply pipes 48 and 49, said pipes leading to a double-acting valve 50. Supply pipe 5! for said valve has connection with a pressure reducing unit 52 so that the pressure of the air supplied by. the same from pipe 53 may be reduced to any pressure desired. Supply pipe 5| has connection with an interior passage 54 which is equipped wtih valve members 56 and 51, said valve members being joined to the actuating shaft 58. Valve is rovided with a vent pipe 6|] having connection with passage 54 above valve member 56. An exhaust chamber BI is provided below valve member 5'1, which chamber connects with vent opening 62, the size of which may be controlled by adjustment of the needle valve 63.

The actuating shaft 58 is yieldingly biased in a downward directionby coil spring 64a. Action of the coil spring on the shaft is such as to main tain valve members 56 and 51 in contact with their lower seats. A solenoid, indicated in its entirety by numeral 64, is located on top of valve 56 and by energization of said solenoid said shaft 58 is caused to move in an upward direction to thus maintain valve members 56 and 51 in contact with their upper seats.

Pressure cylinder 45 has connection with exhaust pipe 65 for venting the cylinder below the piston. Exhaust pipe 65 connects with the double-acting valve 66. The interior passage 61 in communication with said exhaust pipe leads to an atmospheric vent 58 associated with valve member 69 and to a second vent associated with valve member 10 and maintained closed by the cap H. The vertically disposed actuating shaft 12 connects the valve members 69 and 10 and extends into the solenoid 13. The coil spring 14 is associated with the lower end of said actuating shaft and functions to maintain said shaft in a downward position, with the valve members 69 and 10 in contact with their lower seats. By energization of solenoid 13 the actuating shaft is caused to move in an upward direction to locate valve members 69 and 16 in contact with their upper seats.

'5 I As shown in Figure 1, the piston 44 and thus cam-49 has been retracted to locate the piston in the upper end of the cylinder 45 and to also retract, cam 40, having its tapered end positioned between rollers 18 and 20. For retracting the piston, the solenoid 64' is deenergized, in which event spring 54a maintains the valve members against their lower seats. Solenoid l3 isalso deenergized and valve members 59 and 10 are accordingly in contact with their lower seats. The air at a. predetermined pres-sure enters the valve 50 and is admitted to pipe 49 to apply pressure under the piston 44,v efiecting movement upwardly toits retracted position. in the upper end of the cylinder 45. When air under pressure enters pipe 49, pipe 48 is automatically connected to the vent 69.

Referring to Figure 1, the device and all component parts are shown in the rest position or the condition which would exist immediately prior to the welding operation except for the aobioid air-valve 59 which is shown in energized condition. p A welding operation. will now be described, with the parts positioned as shown in Figure 1, it being understood that workpieces H and I2 have been properly located in the electrodes provided thereto: and suitably secured by the screws i3 and I5. A flash welding operation is initiated by closing the-manually actuated switch 18 which controls the supply of current through conductors. 11 and II to the solenoid. 54 and energizes solenoid 35, closing contacts 34 and energizing transformer 80. Since the solenoid 64 is energized, the valve members 58 and 51. are moved upwardly and maintained in contact with their upper seats. Air pressure from pipe 5| is now suppliedto pipe 4. and admitted to cylinder 45 above the piston to efioct'travel of the piston in av downward direction. The air under pressure below the piston cannot escape through exhaust pipe. 55 for the reason that valve members 69' and are maintained in contact. with their lower seats, the solenoid 13 being deenergized. The air below the piston can escape, however, through pipe: 49,. exhaust chamber 6t, and through the needle cona'olledvent i2. Said outlet is adjusted by needle valve 63 to an extent where said outlet is materially restricted so that piston 44 and thus cam 40 will move downwardly at a relatively slow rate. Downward movement of cam 40 produces mmcmentof slide ii in a direction toward the leit, Figure l, by reason of the tapering surface 4! on the side of the cam in contact with roller ii. The workpiece I2 is accordingly moved toward. workpiece. ll at a controlled rate and which can be adjusted in several different ways;

For example, cam 40 can be replaced by a cam having a. different taper or the needle valve 63 can be adjusted to increase the rate of discharge of. the air from below the piston.

Movement of the cam in a downward direction will continue at substantially the initial rate of travel until the first of the vent openings 41 in the piston rod 43 is located below cylinder 45. This action automatically increases the rate of discharge of the air below the piston to accelente movement of cam il in the same direction.

Before cam portion 42 comes in contact withrolter t8, the adjustable arm 80 engages contacts 8|, causing them to close, which energizes the solenoid coil 19 and conditions the timer 38. Valve members 59 and- 10 are moved into contact with their upper seats and the exhaust pipe 65 is allocated tovent 88. This unrestricted dis '6 charge bf air below the piston materially accelcrates cam 49, the rapid movement of the cam causing rollerv 18 .to ride the cam portion 42. Cam portion '42. is designed to impart desired movement to slide it, thereby effecting an upsetting operation on the workpieces II- and i2.

At some time after solenoid I3 is energized, solenoid 35-is deenergized, the latter action being controlled by the timer 38. Contact 34 therefore opens and the supply of alternating current to the primary 3! of the welding transformer is discontinued. Variation of the time involved is controlled by timer 33.

After the welded workpieces have been released, the operator opens switch. 15, de-energizing solenoid 64 and solenoid 13 to thereby supply air under pressure through pipe 49 below the piston, causing said piston to move in an upward direction to retract the cam 40. Air under pressure is continuously supplied through pipe 26 to cylinder 23 to hold the roller [3 in contact with the tapered surface of cam 40 so that slide i6 automatically moves toward the right to its initial position.

It is to be'emphasiz'ed that because ail-pressure i continuously supplied to the platen side of piston 24 in cylinder 23 a constant force is applied to movable platen 16, holding roller 4'8 in contact with cam surface 4 1. Because of this, forward motion of platen l6 during the flashing operation caused by the downward movement of cam 40 is resisted by both the friction forces and force applied by air pressure on piston 24, said air pressure being of suflicient magnitude that. the friction force becomes of little conse quence, thereby further insuring a smooth operation. 1

The action of the apparatus of Figure 1 is illustrated in the oscillograph shown in Figure 4, When solenoid is first energized to close the contactor 34, the workpieces H and I! are not in contact. This period in the operation of the apparatus is illustrated at the extreme left hand end, of the oscillograph. Initial contact of the workpieces is represented by the period identified as flashing. After solenoid 13 has been energized, causing the air from the bottom of piston 44 to be rapidly exhausted, the increase in the rate of travel of the cam and consequently the platen It causes solid contact between the workpieces to take place which represents the start of the welding operation. The welding operation continues until action of the timer 38 deenergizes solenoid 35, opening contacts 34, thereby stopping the flow of current to welding transformer primary 3|. When cam section 42 is inserted between the rollers l8 and 29-, the rate of travel of the platen i5 is increased materially, causing the upsetting portion of the operation. When this action. takes place the weld joining the workpieces I I and I2 is: in a molten or plastic condition and the added thrust given to workpiece l2 provides the desired upsetting operation on the workpieces.

Figure 2 represents a modification of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1, wherein the air passage 46 and Vent 4| are omitted from the piston rod. 43. Solenoid operated valves having adjustable needle-controlled vents are substituted therefor.

This structure will now be described. Pipe 85 has connection with pipe 49 at a point between cylinder and the double-acting valve 50'. The opposite end of pipe connects with a singleacting valve 86. Additional single-acting valves 86 may lie-employed, one, namely 81, being illustrated in Figure 2, Said valve 81 likewise has connection with pipe 49 through the instrumentality of 85 and branch pipe 88. Valve 86 has a valve member 90 fixed to the vertical actuating shaft BI and is yieldingly maintained against its Slower-seat by coil spring 92. Vent chamber 93 communicates with the vent 94 controlled by the needle valve 95. The actuating shaft 9| projects into a solenoid indicated in its entirety by 96, which upon energization causes movement of valve member 90 upwardly into contact with its upper seat. Valve 81 is similarly equipped with a valve member 91 fixed to a vertically disposed actuating shaft 98; The Valve member is yieldingly held in contact with its lower seat by coil spring 99 and the vent chamber I communicating with vent opening IOI, controlled by the adjustable needle valve I02. The actuating shaft 98 extends into the solenoid I03 and energize.- tion of the solenoid lifts the valve member 91 into contact with its upper seat.

The operation of the modified apparatus shown in Figure 2 will now be described, with the parts positioned as shown. The operator starts the welding operation by closing the manually actuated switch I6, energizing the solenoid 64, which supplies air .under pressure to cylinder 45 above the piston 44 and energizes solenoid in turn energizing transformer 30.- The piston therefore moves downwardly with the pressure below the piston being controlled as explained in connection with the apparatus of Figure 1. Movement of the piston in a downward direction is accelerated by progressive actuation of the singleacting valves 86 and 81. At a predetermined point in the movement of cam downwardly, the adjustable arm 80 will engage the contacts I04 to close said contacts and through conductors I05 the electrical circuit to solenoid 96 will be closed. The valve member 90 will move upwardly to open pipe 85. to the vent chamber 93 of said. valve 86, The pressure under piston 44 is accordingly vented through vent opening 94 at a rate controlled by adjustment of needle valve 95. Continued downward movement of the adjustable arm 80 will effect closing of contacts I06 and energization of solenoid I03 through the conductors I01. In a similar manner valve member 91 will be caused to move against its upper seat to connect branch pipe 88 with the vent chamber I00 and the vent opening IOI. Release of pressure under piston 44 is accordingly accelerated by actuation of the second valve 8'! and other valves similar thereto can be progressively actuated to increase the rate at which the air is exhausted from cylinder 45. The piston 44 and cam 40 have movement in a downward direction and which is controlled so that the accelerating movement of the cam can be regulated, depending on the size of the workpiece, the particular metal, and composition of the same.

The flash welding apparatus shown in Figure 3, incorporates a further modification characterized by mounting the holder I4 for movement in a manner similar to slide I6. In this structure I4 and I6 therefore indicate slides mounted by the frame of the apparatus for reciprocation in a direction toward and away from each other. The taper cam 40 is employed for moving slide I6 to bring the workpieces into contact for the flashing and welding operations. A second taper cam to be presently described in detail is employed for moving slide I4 to effect an upsetting of the welded parts. The taper cam 40 is fixed to the piston rod 43 which is actuated by piston 44, located in pressure cylinder 45, all as illustrated and described in connection with the apparatus of Figure l. The cam 40 in the apparatus of Figure 3 has a taper which difiers somewhat from that of cam 40 as employed in Figures 1 and 2. Since a second cam is provided for the upsetting operation said cam 40 has a gradual taper and cam portion 42 is eliminated entirely.

Slide I4 is provided with support I I0 to which is suitably journalled the roller III. The fixed member II2 of the frame provides support II3 which journals the roller I I4. The movable slide I4 is urged in a direction toward fixed member II2 of the frame by means of the pressure cylinder II5, the piston of said cylinder being connected by the piston rod M6 to said slide I4. The action of pressure cylinder H5 is similar in all respects to that of cylinder 23, the piston of which is directly connected to slide I5. A tapered cam II! is interposed between rollers III and II4. The surface of said cam in contact with roller H4 is straight throughout its extent, being parallel with the direction of movement of the cam. The surface II8 has a special taper which is selected for imparting the desired movement to slide I4. Said cam II! is suitably secured to piston rod I20 fixed to piston I2l, mounted for reciprocating movement in the pressure cylinder I22. The respective ends of the pressure cylinder have connection with supply pipes I23 and I24, a two-way valve I25 being interposed in pipe I23 and a similar two-way valve I26 being interposed in pipe I24. Said pipes join at I21 and both are supplied with air under pressure from the supply pipe I28 through the reducing unit I29.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 3 the two-Way valves are of the rotary type, each including a rotor I30 and having a vent pipe I3I and I32, respectively. The rotor of valve I25 is actuated by arm I 33, having connection with the actuating shaft I34 which extends into the solenoid I35. The coil spring I36 on shaft I34 resiliently forces the arm I33 in a downward direction to thereby connect the upper end of the cylinder With the supply pipe I23. When the solenoid I35 is energized actuating shaft I34 is attracted and caused to move upwardly, thereby actuating arm I33 to connect the upper end of the cylinder with the Vent pipe I3I. The rotor I30 of the two-way valve I25 has suitably fixed thereto the arm I31 which is pivotally connected to the actuating shaft I38. Said shaft extends into solenoid I40, which effects movement of the actuating shaft in an upward direction, whereas,

the coil spring I4I produces movement of said actuating shaft in a downward direction. When the solenoid I40 is energized the lower end of the pressure cylinder I22 is connected to the vent pipe I32 and upon deenergization the. arm I3! moves downwardly to connect the lower end of the cylinder with supply pipe I24.

In the operation of the apparatus of Figure 3, the welding of the workpieces is accomplished by cam 40 in moving in a downward direction atthe desired rate until adjustable arm engages the contacts BI to close them. When this takes place the piston 44- will have approximately reached the end of its travel in a downward direction. Closing of contacts 8I conditions timer 38 through conductor 82, energizes solenoid I40, and deenergizes solenoid I35 at the same time. Later, as determined by setting of the timer 38, solenoid 35 becomes deenergized, opening contacts 34, stopping the flow of welding current to the primary 3| of the welding transformer. This action is adjustable and takes place some time between the operation of solenoids I40 and 135 and the end of the complete welding operation. Solenoid I40 is energized, which rotates the rotor I30 of valve I26 to the position as shown, whereby the lower end of cylinder I22 is connected to vent opening I32. The pressure under the piston is thereby released and since air under pressure is supplied to above the piston the same is caused to move downwardly with considerable speed. The taper cam H1 is accordingly forced between rollers III and H4 which moves slide I4 to the right, effecting an upsetting operation on the welded workpieces. Movement of piston I2I in a downward direction is terminated when the adjustable arm I43 comes into engagement with switch I44 to open the normally closed contacts I45. The contacts have electrical connection with conductors I46 which lead to the timer 38 so that the timer is conditioned to energize solenoid I35, rotating the rotor I30 of valve I to thereby terminate the supply of air above the piston and open the space above the piston to the vent I3I.

When the welded workpieces have been removed from the apparatus the parts are returned to initial position'by opening the manually actuated switch 16 which deenergizes the valve 50, effecting downward movement of valve members 55 and 51 to thereby supply air under pressure through pipe 49 to below the piston. Opening of switch 16 also conditions the timer so that solenoid I40 is deenergized. This produces rotation of rotor I of valve I26 in a direction to connect supply pipe I24 with the bottom of cylinder I22. The pistons of both cylinders are thus caused to travel in an upward direction to retract their respective cams and the apparatus is ready for another welding operation.

Figure 5 represents a further modification of Figure 1, wherein the pressure medium controlling the downward movement of piston 44 and consequently cam is a liquid instead of a gas. In this diagram .all parts and actions are the same as in Figure 1 except as follows:

Outlet I50 of control valve 50 in Figure 5 is connected to a reservoir I5I containing a gaseous pressure medium in chamber I52 at the top applying pressure to a suitable liquid I53 in the bottom of said reservoir. Pip 154 conducts the liquid from reservoir I5I to the actuating valve I55 which is shown in the deenergized condition The liquid is prevented from escaping from this valve I55 by means of a cap I56. The outlet from the other side of valve I55 is connected to the bottom of cylinder 45'by means of pipe I51. Connected in parallel with valve I55 b means of pipes I58 and I59 is a needle valve I60 controllin the return of flow of the liquid when valve I 55 is closed.

A welding operation will now be described with the parts shown as positioned in Figure 5, it being understood that workpieces II and I2 have been properly located in the electrodes provided therefor and suitably secured by the screws I3 and I5. Flash welding operation is initiated by closing'the manually actuated switch 16 which controls the supply of current through conductors 11 and 18 to the solenoid 64. The solenoid is energized and the valve members 56 and 51 are moved upwardly and maintained in contact with their upper seats. Air pressure from pipe 5I is now supplied to pipe 48 and admitted to cylinder 45 above the piston 44 to efiect travel of the 1O piston in a downward direction. The liquid below the piston 44 can not flow through valve I 55 because valve member 'I6I is maintained in contact with its lower seat, solenoid I62 bein deenergized. The liquid below the piston can escape, however, through pipe I58, needle controlled vent I60, and pipe I59 to the reservoir I51. The air in the chamber I52 of said reservoir is at the ex haust pressure because valve member 51 is main: tained against its upper seat. The flow of liquid from the bottom of cylinder 45 is adjusted by needle valve I60 to an extent where said outlet is materially restricted so that piston 44 and thus cam 40 will move downwardly at a relatively slow rate.

Movement of the cam in a downward direction will continue at substantially the initial rate of travel until adjustable arm engages contacts BI and I04 causing them to close, which energizes solenoid coil I82 .and conditions the timer 38. Valve member IBI is moved into contact with its upper seat and the exhaust pipe I51 is connected directly to pipe I 54 through said valve. This unrestricted discharge of liquid below the piston materially accelerates cam 40, the rapid movement of said cam causing roller I8 to ride the cam portion 42.

At some time after solenoid IE2 is energized,

solenoid 35 is deenergized, the latter action being controlled by timer 38. Contacts 34 therefore open and the supply of alternating current to the primary 3| of the welding transformer 30 is disconnected.

After the welded workpieces have been released the operator opens switch 16 which deenergizes solenoid 54 and maintains solenoid I52 in the energized condition through conductors 11 and.

18. This causes air pressure on the top of piston 44 to be exhausted through pipes 48 and 50 and air pressure to be applied to the top chamber I52 of reservoir I5I, forcing the liquid I53 through pipe I54, valve I55, and pipe I51, to the bottom of piston 44, causing cam 40 to move in an up ward direction. All or any other operations are identical with those as described according to Figure 1 and it is to be understood that variation means described in Figure 1 or Figure 2. 50

The invention is not to be limited to or by details of construction of the particular embodiment thereof illustrated by the drawings, as various other forms of the device will of course be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the moving said slide, said cam member having a cam surface of characteristic contour for imparting predetermined movement to said slide, a pressure cylinder for reciprocating the cam member, and.

control means for said pressure cylinder including control valves for selectively admitting a pressure medium to the respective ends of said cylinder and for venting a pressure medium from at least one end of the cylinder at a controlledprogressively increasing rate of discharge to thereby regulate travel of the piston toward said end.

2. In apparatus for butt welding workpieces, in combination, electrodes for holding the workpieces to be welded, a movable slide supporting one electrode and mounting th same for reciprocating movement toward and from the other electrode, a roller journalled by the slide, a second roller journalled by the frame of the apparatus, a tapering cam located between the rollers and adapted to reciprocate in a direction substantially normal to the direction of movement of said slide, a pressure cylinder for reciprocating said tapering cam, and control means for said pressure cylinder including control valves for admitting a pressure medium to one end of said cylinder and for simultaneously venting a pressure medium from the opposite end of the cylinder at a con.- trolled progressively increasing rate of discharge to thereby regulate travel of the piston toward said end.

3. In apparatus for butt welding workpieces, in combination, electrodes for holding the workpieces to be welded, a movable slide supporting one electrode and mounting the same for reciprocating movement toward and from the other electrode, means for moving said slide including a cam member having a cam surface, a pressure cylinder for moving the cam member, control means for said pressure cylinder including a solenoid actuated control valve for selectively admitting a pressure medium to the respective ends of said cylinder, at least one other solenoid actuated valve in combination with said first mentioned valve for venting a pressure medium from at least one end of the cylinder at a controlled rate and simultaneously with the admission of the pressure medium to the opposite side of the piston to thereby regulate travel of the piston towardsaid end, and electric means for controlling the energization and deenergization of the solenoids of said valves.

4. In apparatus for butt welding workpieces, in combination, electrodes for holding the workpieces to be welded, a movable slide supporting one electrode and mounting the same for recipro cating movement toward and from the other electrode, means for moving the slide including a cam member having a camming surface in contact with the slide, a pressure cylinder having a double-acting piston for moving the cam member, means supplying a pressure medium to one side of the piston to cause movement of the cam member in a direction to bring the workpieces into contact for welding, means for venting a pressure medium from the opposite side of the piston at a progressively increasing rate of discharge and simultaneously with the admission of the pressure medium to the first mentioned side to thereby regulate speed of travel of said piston and thus the cam member, and means controlling the flow of welding current to said electrodes.

5. In apparatus for butt welding workpieces,

in combination, electrodes for holding the WOlkpieces to be welded, a movable slide supporting one electrode and mounting the same for reciprocating movement toward and from the other electrode, means for moving the slide including a cam member having a camming surface in contact with the slide, a pressure cylinder having a double-acting piston, said cam member having securement to the piston so that reciprocating movement of the same is imparted to the cam member, means supplying fluid pressure to the cylinder for applying a working force to one side of the piston to effect movement of the cam member in a certain direction for contacting the workpieces for welding, other means for applying a counter-acting force of less magnitude to the opposite side of the piston whereby its movement for contacting the workpieces takes place at a controlled rate according to the magnitude of the counter-acting force, a plurality of solenoid operated valves for progressively reducing said counter-acting force as the cam member moves in said certain direction, and electric means respectively for controlling the operation of saidv valves, said electric means being actuated selectively by movement ofv the piston in said certain direction.

6. In apparatus for butt welding workpieces, in combination, electrodes for holding the workpieces to be welded, a movable slide supporting one electrode and mounting the same for recipro-. catingmovement toward and from the other electrode, a roller journalled by said slide, means for moving said slide including a tapering cam contacting said roller and having reciprocating movement in a direction substantially normal to the direction of movement of the slide a pressure cylinder having a double-acting piston for moving said tapering cam, and control means for said pressure cylinder including a control valve for selectively admitting a pressure medium to the respective ends of said cylinder, other control means for venting the pressure medium from oneend of the cylinder at a controlled rate to thereby regulate travel of the piston toward said end for welding purposes, said other control.

means comprising a plurality of solenoid operated needle valves, and electric means for each said needle valve actuated selectively by movement of the piston toward said end for controlling operation of said valves.

7. In apparatus for butt welding workpieces, in combination, electrodes for holding the workpieces to be welded, a movable slide supporting one electrode and mounting the same for reciprocating movement toward and from the other electrode, a roller journalled by said slide, means for moving said slide including a tapering cam contacting said roller and having reciprocating movement in a direction substantially normal to the direction of movement of the slide, a pressure cylinder having a double-acting piston for moving said tapering cam, control means for said pressure cylinder including a double-acting valve for selectively admitting a pressure medium to the respective ends of the cylinder, said doubleacting valve having adjustable means for regulating the discharge from one end of the cylinder as pressure is admitted to the opposite end, whereby to regulate travel of the piston toward said one end for welding purposes, a second valve for also controlling the discharge of the pressure medium from said one end of the cylinder, said last mentioned valve having operation in one direction to close said one end of the cylinder and having operation in the other direction to open said one end for unrestricted venting, and solenoid means respectively for efiecting actua .tion of said valves.

DAVID SCIAKY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

